Have you ever looked at a tree and wondered what kind of tree it is? Identifying trees can sometimes be as easy as looking at the leaves, perhaps not in fall or winter though. There are numerous ways to identify trees if we know what to look for. These tips can be handy if the […]

Some suppliers label the same tree as either an Arborvitae or a Thuja, which can be confusing. In fact, they are the same species. These tall, narrow evergreens are widely used in landscaping for privacy screens, hedges, and decorative borders. Varieties like the Green Giant Arborvitae are especially popular because they grow quickly and provide […]

  Planting a tree is one of the greatest things you can do for the environment. However, planting trees also comes with a fair amount of risk that not everyone thinks about. If you intend to plant any trees yourself or with a crew of people, safety should always be the first concern. Here’s how […]

Trees for shade are key in any landscape. They add aesthetic appeal in addition to being functional. We are certainly blessed with a wide variety of shade-creating trees, but there is a need for caution as some types of trees don’t work well in certain areas. Before selecting which trees to plant from the list […]

Trees must withstand much more than rain during a storm. In fact, the wind poses a much greater risk to the health of a tree. Although it is not common, trees also run the risk of being struck by lightning. In this case, all bets are off, regardless of the species of tree. Let’s look […]

Apart from the aesthetic joy trees bring to our front yards as we drive in and out, they also add curb appeal and value to our properties. When choosing trees for the front yard we tend to have particular requirements. They should have colorful spring flowers. They should have full foliage and richly colored leaves […]

A garden journal helps you remember what you want to do, what you did, how it went, and what to do next time. For most, it’s as much a scrapbook as it is a diary. A garden journal can be as casual or serious as you are. For the more agriculturally minded, a garden journal […]

Living in a homeowners association (HOA) environment means that you must abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the HOA board of directors. The common good in the case of trees and plants is the look and feel of the environment, as well as ease of maintenance. Hopefully, the HOA has set out […]

Newly planted, young trees and saplings need care and attention. The onset of winter and the potential for a light freeze makes this even more so. Trees are susceptible to the ravages of frost, cold winds, heavy snow, bitter ice, and bright sun. Ironically, snow cover can help a tree insulate against freezing temperature and […]

Trees are an asset to your property. Not only do they provide welcoming shade during the heat of summer, but they also add visual interest, beautiful colors, and they even invite friendly birds and other critters into your yard. Plus, if they are fruit trees, they can yield fresh, delicious, and nutritious food. Of course, […]